Hard decision

[LANTIRN]

Damn. I had a feeling this was what the thread was about from the title. I love animals and I don't even like putting down strays, much less a pet. All I can say is I know how it feels and just remember the good times. Unfortunately part of owning and loving a pet is also saying goodbye to it when the time comes.

[Rreemo]

Get him to the Vet, at 10-years old there is still a lot of treatment they can do to restore some comfort in his life, and I'll bet buy him a decent amount of more time.

[Frank]

I was dead set and determined I knew that my 11 yo husky was ready to be put down due to his hips. Given my schedule, I knew if I had to bury him, I had to go ahead and dig the hole and I didn't want to do it with the kids home and I knew that stupid black clay would take forever. I dug the hole, accepted his fate and made the appointment with the vet thinking the inevitable. Turns out while he does have the dysplasia, they vet prescribed some supplement chews and some pain meds to take as needed. It has been 3 months now with just taking the chews and I have not needed to give him any pain meds. He runs around the yard like crazy. Once in a while he stumbles, but partly because he's just clumsy. There might be hope, or at least to give you some time to better prepare for it.

[Rreemo]

I was dead set and determined I knew that my 11 yo husky was ready to be put down due to his hips. Given my schedule, I knew if I had to bury him, I had to go ahead and dig the hole and I didn't want to do it with the kids home and I knew that stupid black clay would take forever. I dug the hole, accepted his fate and made the appointment with the vet thinking the inevitable. Turns out while he does have the dysplasia, they vet prescribed some supplement chews and some pain meds to take as needed. It has been 3 months now with just taking the chews and I have not needed to give him any pain meds. He runs around the yard like crazy. Once in a while he stumbles, but partly because he's just clumsy. There might be hope, or at least to give you some time to better prepare for it.

I worked in a Vet hospital for 5-years....used to see it a lot actually, people have such a hard time making that decision that a lot would put it off until they already made the decision without ever even hearing about treatment options. Truth is, there is a lot of treatment for what we used to call "Rickety Dog"....and it's come an even longer ways since I was in that business (20 years ago).

Animals often react to treatment much more favorable than we do. B5-vitamin cocktail, cortisone, and Rimadyl just to name a few.

It can get a little costly, but once you see them bounce back it is well worth it.

[Forever_frost]

When that day comes, it's gonna suck like nothing else. You may not want to do it, but I'd recomend, after allowing yourself a few days/weeks to mourn, trot down to your local pound, and just take a look. It's a 50/50 shot that it'll either make you sad and want your old friend back, or you just might find your new best friend.

Just be prepared for the memory of your current buddy to be with you for a very long time.

And in your case, Frost, I'd be sure to let your docs know about whats going on, so they might can adjust your meds to help you through this. He kept you from doing something permanent. Losing him might/might not bring you right back to that point. Don't let that happen.

Sent from my LGL45C using Tapatalk 2

Fortunately, I have a chow puppy (1 year old) that is so dumb he's fun and a son and wife now. I have a bigger support structure than before but I have an appointment next week for a mental health appointment. Your advice is well taken

[Forever_frost]

I worked in a Vet hospital for 5-years....used to see it a lot actually, people have such a hard time making that decision that a lot would put it off until they already made the decision without ever even hearing about treatment options. Truth is, there is a lot of treatment for what we used to call "Rickety Dog"....and it's come an even longer ways since I was in that business (20 years ago).

Animals often react to treatment much more favorable than we do. B5-vitamin cocktail, cortisone, and Rimadyl just to name a few.

It can get a little costly, but once you see them bounce back it is well worth it.

I have him an appointment tomorrow. I asked for a full checkup to tell me if anything is wrong and give me all options

[Rreemo]

I have him an appointment tomorrow. I asked for a full checkup to tell me if anything is wrong and give me all options

Good to hear...best of luck to you (and him).

[Kimmypie]

We had to put the meanest chihuahua alive down last year & I still tear up. I just know I gave her the best life I could & loved her no matter how mean she got. And that bitch bit everyone including myself many, many times.

Hell, we have a beastly 90lb bulldog & 20lb chiweenie still, along with the 6 month old little girl we are adopting & Christian wants a girl bulldog puppy really badly. The big bulldog is such a good girl, we want her to influence he puppy's behavior.

Also, glad you are going to see your doc & have a support system now because it is a huge stressor.

[Forever_frost]

Good thing is that for the most part, I have a lot of emotional insulation. One of my best friends died last year and I sat down, called his wife and told her I'd plan the funeral for her. Intellectually it bothered me but I didn't really have an emotional response. This may be a bit different.

[Kimmypie]

Good thing is that for the most part, I have a lot of emotional insulation. One of my best friends died last year and I sat down, called his wife and told her I'd plan the funeral for her. Intellectually it bothered me but I didn't really have an emotional response. This may be a bit different.

Did you talk to your doc about the lack of emotion? That can't be good...

[Forever_frost]

Did you talk to your doc about the lack of emotion? That can't be good...

It's normal for a TBI and severe PTSD. Muted emotions, blah blah blah. Today we take him to the vet. More details later

[Forever_frost]

Vet said that they are sending his blood work out for tests to see what the growth is between his shoulder blades and I ran a couple hundred bucks for that visit. Thursday is another visit to get medicine and go over the lab results but my buddy came home with me today so I put that in the win category.

In other news, wife had her 14 week pregnancy checkup. Little critter is healthy but hiding so we can't see the sex yet.

[Baron Von Crowder]

Vet said that they are sending his blood work out for tests to see what the growth is between his shoulder blades and I ran a couple hundred bucks for that visit. Thursday is another visit to get medicine and go over the lab results but my buddy came home with me today so I put that in the win category.

In other news, wife had her 14 week pregnancy checkup. Little critter is healthy but hiding so we can't see the sex yet.

good stuff!

[Rreemo]

So how'd it go today?

[ram57ta]

I hope you can keep your buddy around for a little longer. I've had both of mine for about 9 years give or take and have had financial issues come up that have forced me to consider finding them homes. I've managed at this point to keep them around because I can't make myself let them go. I love them. I love coming home knowing they will always meet me at the door with tails wagging. When they (either of them) reach the point where they have no quality of life I will cry like a little girl when I have to make that ultimate decision but I know its a day that will come. I won't let them suffer. I feel for you Frost.